If you are among the millions of people that grind their teeth, you have likely heard this habit can lead to problems. But do you understand exactly why it can be so damaging and what grinding your teeth might mean for your long-term health?
The consequences of bruxism, or regular grinding and clenching of your teeth, ranging from minor symptoms like waking up with headaches to major medical issues such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
In this blog post, we will discuss how grinding affects TMJ Disorder and what actionable steps you can take to treat it. By the end of this article, you should be equipped with an understanding of the connection between bruxism and TMJ disorder.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ is the malfunction of the hinge between the upper and lower jaws.
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located on either side of the face and connects the upper and lower jaw, allowing for the smooth opening and shutting of the mouth. People with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) will have pain in this joint and may have trouble moving their jaw.
This impairment might affect the patient’s ability to chew and communicate properly. According to TMJ Hope, an organization whose mission is to aid women with jaw discomfort, approximately one in twelve Americans have a TMJ disorder.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition characterized by unconscious jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Some individuals feel this while awake, while others experience it while sleeping.
Bruxism can occur both when awake and sleeping. Although the grinding movement is identical, awake and sleep bruxism are regarded to be distinct disorders.
Awake bruxism
This condition causes you to clench your jaw and grind your teeth throughout the day. It is typically connected to emotional concerns. Anxiety, tension, and anger can all lead to teeth grinding. However, so can focusing on something. Medication is usually unnecessary if you are more likely to notice and quit awake bruxism. Stress management can help, and finding strategies to become more self-aware can also assist in reducing the frequency.
Sleep bruxism
With this type, you grind your teeth while sleeping, which may cause further damage. You may not receive the assistance you require because you must be aware of the situation. Another difficulty associated with sleep bruxism is that individuals are unaware of how hard they are clenching their jaw and teeth. They can exert up to 250 pounds of pressure, resulting in jaw pain and teeth problems. Additionally, clenching might cause headaches.
People who clench or grind their teeth do not necessarily get TMD. In certain instances, bruxism can cause TMD or exacerbate an existing condition.
Severe bruxism might alter your bite over time. Grinding your teeth excessively might progressively displace them from their correct position. In addition to causing damage to your teeth and dental restorations, bruxism can also result in a misaligned bite. If your upper and lower teeth are properly aligned, your muscles may retain the temporomandibular joints from their sockets to bring your teeth together. Misalignment of the jaw can result in TMJ disorder.
Why TMJ and Bruxism Are Often Connected
TMJ and bruxism share numerous symptoms, including headaches, jaw discomfort, facial pain, neck pain, sensitive teeth, ear pain, worn teeth, and restricted jaw movement. It is understandable why someone might believe they always go hand in hand. They do not always, but they can occasionally.
TMJ can cause individuals to grind or clench their teeth, and chronic grinding or clenching can also cause TMJ.
TMJ results from an imbalance in the jaw joints. If you grind your teeth frequently and for an extended period, you may develop an unbalanced jaw. In contrast, the tension of TMJ pain can induce you to grind your teeth more frequently to alleviate the pain.
You can obtain relief from the symptoms of TMJ and bruxism in either case.
Manage Your Bruxism
If you suffer from bruxism, it is essential to control or treat the disease to prevent the development of TMD. During your visit, Dr. Garza will review the available treatment choices.
Splints and mouth guards
These are intended to prevent the damage caused by clenching and grinding by keeping the teeth apart. They can be made of hard acrylic or soft materials and are designed to fit over the upper or lower teeth.
Dental correction
In severe cases, when tooth wear has caused sensitivity or the inability to chew properly, your dentist may need to modify your teeth’s chewing surfaces or use crowns to fix the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do people with TMJ grind their teeth?
In many patients, the overworked facial muscles cause teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism. Numerous factors, such as stress, anxiety, and clenching of the jaw can cause this.
Symptoms of bruxism may include
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Pain in the jaw muscles or joints.
- Headaches.
- Even damage to the teeth.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must see a dentist who can evaluate your condition and recommend treatment if necessary.
How do I stop grinding my teeth?
There are a few things that you can do to help stop grinding your teeth at night and reduce the pain associated with TMJ. One of the best ways is to get a custom-fitted nighttime mouthguard. Constant grinding can wear down the tooth enamel and make them more vulnerable to cavities. This will help protect your teeth from being damaged by grinding and clenching and help keep your jaw more comfortable.
You can also reduce the likelihood of grinding your teeth by avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed and practicing stress-relieving techniques such as yoga or meditation. If the pain and discomfort from TMJ are persistent, be sure to speak with your dentist or doctor about other possible treatment options.
Read More: Is There an Over-the-Counter Muscle Relaxer for TMJ Disorder?
Consult with Garza DDS to learn more about teeth grinding and TMJ
Treating your bruxism is important for the health of your teeth and reducing your risk of developing TMD. If you think you may be grinding your teeth at night or have any other symptoms of TMD, please consult with Garza DDS. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that reduces pain and protects teeth. Visit our website or give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal oral health.